Police hunt for man who robbed boy in Lutterworth area

Alex Blackwell

Detectives have released a computer-generated image of a man they are hunting for the attempted robbery of a 15-year-old boy in the Lutterworth area.

The image of the suspect was released last Wednesday afternoon, although the crime happened 39 days earlier.

The worrying incident took place at about 11.30pm on Saturday, February 21, when the teenage victim was walking home along Croft Way, in Broughton Astley.

He was approached by a man in a silver BMW 3 Series coupé.

The driver got out of the vehicle and asked the teenager for directions, before trying to steal his bag.

But the victim was able to repel the man and the suspect drove off empty-handed in the direction of Dunton Bassett.

The man’s grabbing motion towards the victim’s bag left a minor graze on the teenager’s abdomen.

Police are treating it as an attempted robbery.

Detective Constable 1410 Andrew Day, who is investigating the incident, said: “Since the incident was reported to us we have been carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the vehicle and the suspect.

“We have carried out house-to-house enquiries and relevant CCTV footage has been viewed, but no significant leads have been identified.

“Subsequently, the victim has been able to assist us in putting together a computer-generated image of the suspect and we’d like to speak to anyone who may recognise the man.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who saw a silver, two-door BMW 3 Series in the area on Saturday, February 21.

“It’s been described as a coupé and may be a 1999-2005 model, it had tinted rear windows and thin, spiked design alloy wheels.

“If you recognise the vehicle or can help with our enquiries then please get in touch.”

Police have been criticised in recent months over delays in making its witness appeals.

Explaining the delay, a spokeswoman for the police said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries to identify the vehicle and suspect but no significant leads have been identified.

“Subsequently we’ve been able to work with the victim who has been able to assist us in putting together a computer-generated image of the suspect. This can only be done at a time convenient to the victim.”

Anyone with information is being urged to call the police 101 number or Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111.